South Wales Echo

I YANKEE YARNS. I EDITORIAL EXPLANATION'.—When a cow-boy goes into a Western newspaper-office to demand satisfaction, the editor always explains that the assistant who write the article has just gone out to kill a man, but will be back in a few minutes." The cow-boy never waits. I NOT HIS FAULT. I Jesse McHenry came hume at a late hour, ani in his usual condition. "You are just out of the saioon. Now don't you deny it," said his wife. It ain't my fault," responded the wretched inebriate; "I'd have been there yet if the pro- prietor hadn't closed up." I should like to be excused, your honour," said a Chicago man who had been summoned on a jury. What for ?" I owe a man fivedollars, and I want to hunt him up and pay it." Do you mean to say yuu wouxa nunt up a man to pay a bill, instead of waiting for him t') huut you up ?" Yes, your honour. Do you belong to Chicago?" "Yes, air." "You are excused. I don't want any man on the jury who will lie like that.. Or COURSE NOT. I "Wasdisyerenotis mea.nt fur me?"ho aked, as he entered the water office yesterday with the usual form of notice that the water should be shut off if he did not pay his assessment. "Yes, sir," replied the man at the window. "Got to c,'me i -.i wid de cash or melt up snow, has I Yon havR." "Well sah, I'd like to ask dis yere bo'd a few queshuus. In de fust place, I had to buy de ole woman a pa r of Christmas shoes, which cost two dollars. In de nex' place, I had to spend fo dol- lars fur presents fur do chil'en. Den dar's my sister an' her five cbil'en my fadder an' mud- der, de boy who brings my ;>aper, do man who trusts me fur wood, an' da woman who lends my wife her washtub. Do you reckon I kin take car' of all dera people fur Chrismas an' pay water tax, too ?' AN OLD HOUSH. I Cy. Fos8 and Dr. Webber, of Dallas, used to be great Friends, but of late they do not speak as they pass by. The reason for the, coolness leaked out in a conversation they had the other day:— You recommended Smith & Co., of Austin, to me as being a re iable firm. I let them have credit to the tune of 52,000, and now they have tumbled, and I am out jusc that much," said Cy. Foss. I didn't recommend them at all to you. On the contrary, I warned you," retorted Dr. Webber, indignantly. "You told me that it was an old house." "Just öO. Haven't you sense euough to know that au old house is liable to tumble at any time." LKTTKtt CARRYING. A street car driver accosted a letter carrier. The driver was bundled up in a buffalo robe coat. The postman had on the regulation uni- form and carried a pouch full of mail weighing about one hundred pounds. I s'pose you fellers is getting ready to work tor a iivmg, ain't you?" asked the driver. "I tiiink we have to work now," the postman replied. "Feel of that pouch." That's no work. What would you do if yon bad to gr:nd a car-'orake all day on I hold up a couple of smooth-shod horses by main strength ?" The postman smiled and remarked that if he had to go he would go. He would juit as soot, drive a car as to jug-letters and climb seven pairs of stairs.' "Not much you wouldn't," says the driver. "Yer t-:e;h an chattering now with fright, aii-i you knows it. The iioiicaman who got on at the next corn-r said, with a yawn: I'll het you 33 that you give ui, 'Uliit pretty soon and go to work for a living. There's plenty of good men after it." A utile further on a fruit dealer on a corner veiled out: "You'ii have to get to work when old Ari.hur goes Oltt," When the postman got off the car and made his first ring the' wrvant girl who appeared at the door .-aid Whu'll ye work at wheu ye git boosted ?" Yet the record-! of the police courts show no alarming increase d crime on the part of letter carriers. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I What caused you to ie.ue the Fire Depart- ment, Jim?" Oil, I got sick of it." "What was the trouble?'' W di, I'll tell you. I worked four years to get on and then I got right off again. It wan t what I thought it was. I'd watched the boys working lots of times and I'd bean around visit- ing them at their houses. I kinder thought I d like it. When I got my appointment I felt that I was fixed :or life. The second night after that an alarm came in for us about eleven o'clock and out we w, it. When we got to the tire, which was ill a cellar, the C;\P'/I made me go down and hold a iaiicem. Ttin thermometer was about 25 below zero, and just us I started to go up the back stairs a stream hit me in the mouth and knocked rq8 down so quick I couldn't tell what struck me. I lay there senseless with the hose n- playing on me for a little while—long enousrh for me to i'renze fast anyway, and when I tried to get un I cotiidii't. I %i.s all covered with icicles, and tha whiskers of ins were frozen so stiff that I cou]dn", get my mouth open to yll. I began to think I was doue for when one of the boys stum- bled over me, and, getting a lantern, found out who I was. tiad to chop in-, oil. %vitit zixes, and when I walked off 1 looked like a snow man. Thlt sickened me of the fire department, and I resigned the next day." Several Delated pedestrians on Madison street were surprised iast night to seo an old man stand- ing in front of a gorgeous saloon and inviting everyone in to drink. <> Come, ouys" he said" this is about the last call. Walk right iu and help yourselves. It don't cost anything. This news is too almighty glorious for any USJ. I'm celebrating as nobody in my family ever celebrated before. "IV, fiat is it that your celebrating T' asked a thinly clad man who had gonp in twice and with his coat collar up was trying to ring in. again. Why, the Democratic victory, Where've you been, you Hottentot? Haven't you heard the news? Jim Blaine beat and old Cleveland elec- ted. If my old father was here there wouldn't nobody sleep in this town to night." "Cleveland was elected three months ago," said a policeman who came out wiping his mouth. You're a little bwhind-hand, old man." The stranger looked dazed, explained that he had just come in from the mountains of Yuma. County, Arizona, and that he had only heard the news by accident that afternoon. "Gentlemen," he continued, "I want to do everything decently and in order. If this here glorious triumph has been properly celebrated in this town we'll quit. Three months ago, eh?" That's a mighty close call on me. If I don t hump myself there won't be an office ieft. Chicago Herald. A CURE FOR PARALYSIS. Whn the Rock Island train from the \Vest pulled iu at the depot Tuesday morning, three men helped a young fellow out of a sleeper and carried him into the sitting-room. Cra,iy," aid an old apple woman who saw him. [ Xot a crazy h dr in his head, madain, re- plied one of his attendants. "Just paralysed; that's all." By this time quite a crowd had assembled, all looking at the reclinine figure and wondering what was the matter with him. To relieve the curiosity of the bystanders, and at the same time to deliver the si>eech which he had been preparing for several weeks, the man said This lad ami ;>11 of us is from Hog Ranch, Ne- braska. W e don't ask no sympathy, and we don't want no help. We're well heeled. If there's a hospital in this town which cures a man who's paralyzed that s what we're after. This voung man is the last of four who had a disagreement iu our neighbourhood three months aaro on the sub- ject of pronouncing the word which is spelled m-o r-g u-e Our fine young friend says the word is morgew. and Nve all fell in. The gang from the up-country says it is mor. my rlelr young friend here, is United Stites. The word must oe be pronounced, in French, and moi-gew it is.' That's quite correct,1 says we, At that instant Big Jim Poppin sprang into the middle of the floor with two guns, and says he: 'Iv'e been brought up to talk United States, and United States she is. It anybody thinks he can come the French act on me he's got to grow.' Just then this suvet yountr man drew his wepf>;ns, and Big Jim dropped like a steer. The rest of them came on, and for little while I (,(iii,dn't leil whether it was morg or uiorgew, but presently we restored order and found 1that the th.ee gentlemen from above was laid out, and .<ur promising young friend here was pmi'yzod with a buiiet that hie him oil the crazv bone. Wo tried to cure him our- selves, and lie is cuix-d, all but the paralysis— that we couldn't reach. If there's nobody here that has any oojectious we'Jl inove on now to the hospital and see what can be done."

Jottings Around Town. -+- By our Special Artist. THE Speaker of the House of Commons has caved in! The new rules excluding all re- porters from the Members' Lobby have been already abolished, and those interesting items of political gossip gathered there will continue to enliven the columns of the daily press. Presumably the hint thrown out by the Daily XW]S of Boycotting Parliament altogether was ;00 much for the powers that be. I can imagine the Speaker's breathless amazement "t the very idea, and as for the worthy Captain 3-osset, although he might stand any amount of ,'i::e, I am sure he would beat a hasty retreat m view of such a hostile movement. l'he case of Black, the Scotchman, who 11 couldn't get any work to do," and who, after he had had twenty-five berths to choose from proved himself to be simply a lazy scoundrel, is still fresh in the public mind. No doubt Black was only a type of a very large class who curse the man "Who first invented work, and bound the free And holiday rejoicing spirit down." There is another class upon which a good deal of public and magisterial sympathy is fre- quently wasted. I refar to those disobargeu prisoners who, ever and anon, whine out a pitiful yarn in the Courts, to the effect that they ca.n't get any work because, at the places they apply for a job, somebody is sure to tel: the foreman that they have been in prison, or they are asked for a eharacter and cannot give one. Now, in nine cases out of ten, if not i: -very case, this is purely a subterfuge. A ,riciid of mine, who is a partner in one of tl ■ argest firms in the London building tra. cells me tliit they, like other great firms em. ploying hundreds of men, never think of aski: lor their character or enquiring into the.: antecedents when they take on new hands, A discharged prisoner, therefore, whether he r. u. carpenter, bricklayer, labourer, or what not :f he exercises a little common sense in choos- ing the locality in which to seek work, starn^ ;O(jd a chance of being taken on as an\ other individual of the great unemployed. It seems that there is a ficciety formed for the purpose of getting large employers of labour to allow their names to be entered on a list as ncing willing to give discharged prisoners a trial. My friend was recently interviewed by officer of this Society, to whom he stated oe facts I have given above, and who expressed his very great surprise thereat, and said he had all along been under the contrary impres- sion in regard to the niauner in which work- men were engaged. There are =.o many honest men wanting work that employers ought not to be badgered about" giving thieves a trial." Those who carefully follow the mode of procedure in Parliament, particularly in refe. re/ice to obstructing business, will require no ••fords to explain the "ollovving — r- I have neither time nor iiicliiiation to paR? paregorics on the remarked a.n Irish funeral orator. Panoj-vrics," corrected 1 an opinionated critic present. As you please, sir," remarked the orator, stiffly, the words a,re anonymous." | The eccentric Countess de la Torre was last week committed to prison for ona month in default of paying a fine of J0 imposed upon her for keeping a large number of oats and dogs at her residence. As the lady in question has private means, there need not be much sympathy expended on her removal to gaol; at any rate she will have peace and quietness for the space of thirty-one days, and will lead anything but the cat and dog life to which she has been accustomed. Sir William having at last decided to receive a deputation of the unemployed, received t'uem in the truly Ilarcourtian manner. J Whether any good will accrue from the inter- view remains to be seen. The reply, however, addressed to the unemployed at Bermondsey j bv the President of the Local Covernment Board is not particularly encouraging, for li whilst, the Board do not doubt that a great number of persons are out of employment in the Metropolis, the relief lists of the Board of Guardians do not show that there is any material increase in the number of cases in I which destitute persons are obliged to have relief from the poor rates." Does this mean, then, that when the army of unemployed have clamoured for relief and swollen tbe poor rates, the august Board of Local Government will move in the matter? Again, Sir Charles, with his knowledge of men and things, should know that there are thousands I who would sooner starve than go on the parish for support. I ritill," one puper remarks, "in times like these, safety is worth a Irjttt deal, I has doubtless led S!r William ILwoourfc to re use aduattts.nce to visitors to thj lioyai Acud jiny if thoy have parcels. I may adi, "too, beiug on the qusstiou oi Fenian turbu- lence, that the poHocrlua who gallantly carried a parcel of dynamite from Nelson's Monument to bocthiyd Yard lia8, up to the time of going to press, received nothing for his courageous act. Have the police yet discovered the where- abouts of the young womau, aged thirty.two, who recently eloped from the West of England with her father-in-lavr, a gay yomjg Lothario of eighty summers, taking with her nearly eight hundred pounds of her husband's money ? I ask this question in the interest of the great Barnum, who is understood to be preparing a huge glass case in which to exhibit the afore- said young person as the biggest natural curiosity of the nineteenth century. Mr. Justin McCarthy, the author of the highly successful comedy » The Candidate," is just now the apple of the theatrical manager's eye, and according to rumour he is writing a comedy (strangely enough) for Miss Kate Santloy who will probably produce it at the Royalty Theatre. By the -way, Mr. Gladstone has seen The Candidate," at the Criterion, and enjoyed it immensely. Mr. Wyndham should follow the Augustian Harris sian method, and clamour for a testimonial. He might receive something like the following Downing Street. MY DEAB MR. WYNDHAM, You are deserving of a baronetcy for producing such a really magnificent oomedy as "The Candidate." For a cure of the mumps, general lissirude, ennui, or depression of spirits, it is unrivalled, and I shall certainly recommend it to all my friends. If there is any "paper" about, you migh: nd on a stall for Herbert. Yours very truly, W. E. Gladstone. Ir. Com '-l ••er Kerr has only just dis- co. ered (from a recent c 't is a mistake fo allow a woman to ope .until in court, for when she does she gon for a week. After this our respect for the CommissonerY, study of human nature will be on the wane. Fortunately for Mr. Ferr, the great aud only Mrs. W. eeoKS redres3 for her wrongs at higher tribuuals than the City Small Debts Court. Mr. Wilaou^ Barrett, who was interviewed by the Daily News repi-ageutative on Monday, appears to take a more cheerful view of con- temporary dramatists than the majority of managers. He says, I think it is a pity Mr W. S. Gilbert does not write more serious work ior the stage-he knows the whole matter so thoroughly. What he writes is so admirable, but I should like to see him write a iig drama, romantic or otherwise, with a strong notive. I aiso admire the literary cleverness aud brilliancy of Mr. Hermann Merivale. Mr. G. R. Sims, a genius in his way, is yet to be seen at his best. Messrs. Pettit and Merritt u-e successful writers in their own styles, and have yet a future before them. Mr. Pinero is likely to write a good comedy." After this who shall speak or the dearth of dramatic .uthors ? Speaking of a certain General whom he professed to admire, a political orator (not in chis country, of course), said that on the field of battle he was always found where the bullets were thickest. Where was that ? asked one of the auditors. the ammuni- tion waggon, said another. Somehow the prospect of the London Government Bill doesn't appear to be so happy as it did a few months back. Is it the weight of the Bill or the celebrated hat which makes .r. B. F. so gloomy of expression of late? F.-rr-lain, good Bottomlev Just one personal word before I close. I have to thank sincerely those who thought me ,-orthy of remembrance (I don't know who 'hey are), on St. Valentine's day, but, as some of the useful articles forwarded do not exactly at, I am sure my friends will forgive me volunteering the information that hats of seven and one-eighth, and gloves of seven and three-quarters aro the sizes which best suit 04 JAN O' BRENTOE

THE REPRESENTATION OF GOWER. We are authorised to give a denial to the state- n:ent which appeared in a Tory contemporary that at a meetintr of representative Liberals, held ..t th'J Mackworth Hotel, Swansea, on Wednes- day, Sir Hussey Vivian, Bart., M.P., was accepted as the candidate for f!} Gower division. The question was not even discussed, and thus Sir Hnssey's name was no' mentioned as a candi- date. The meeting was called for the sole pur- pose of arranging preliminaries for the formation of a Liberal Association for Gower. Towards the close of the proceedings a gentleman rose with the intention of suggesting the name of a candidate, but the chairman promptly ruled him out of order, and so the matter endod. Whether or not the popular junior member for the county will be asked to stand for the division in which he lives, is, of course, another question, but so far no action of any kind has been taken.

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No. 119,GREAT PORTER SQUARE. By B. L. FARJEON, Author of Sign of the Silver Flagon," Blade- o'-Grass," "Grif," &c., &c. !f CHAPTER XXIII. JUSTICIE SENDS A I LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE "EVENINO MOON." I Closer and closer to Becky did the little match girl cling as she was carried through the dark I passage and down the narrow stairs to the kitchen. Then, and then only, did Becky clearly perceive how thin and wan her humble little friend had grown. Fanny's dark eyes loomed °h I Vheir sun^en sockets like dusky moons, her cheeks had fallen in, her lips were colourless her clothes were in fit keeping, and consisted of but two garments, a frock and a petticoat, in r^ £ 8- Becky's eyes overflowed as she contem- plated the piteous picture, and Fanny's eyes also became filled with tears-not in pity for herself, but in sympathy with Becky. O, Blanche,.Blanche she murmered, "1 begun to be afraid I should never see you agin." Becky touched Fanny's clothes and cheek pity- ingly, and said, r J Has it been like this long, Fanny? Fanny replied in a grave tone, Since ever you went away, Blanche. My luck turned then." It has turned again, piy dear," said Becky, with great compassion, and ,turned the rio-ht way. Make a wish." ° A thick slice of bread and butter said Fannv eagerly. 3 O, Fanny are you hungry?" I ain't 'ad nothing to eat to-day excep' a damaged apple I picked up in Coving-garden." Before she finished the sentence Becky placed before her a thick slice of bread and butter, and was busy cutting another. Fanny soon de- spatched them, and did not say No to the third slice, Do you feel bettar, Fanny?" asked Becky. "Ever so much," repliod Fanny, looking wist- fully around. The kitchen was warm, nnd the little beggar girl was thinking of the cold night outside. Becky noticed the look and knew what it meant. "No, Fanny," she thought, "you shall not go out in the cold to-night. It is my belief you were sent to help me; it may be a lucky inneting for both of us." "launy, she said aloud, "where's your mother?" She's got three months," said Fanny, and tlip magistrate sed he'd 'ave given her six if he could." Where are you going to sleep to-night ?" Blanche," said Fanny, with a little quiver in her voice, is there such a thing as a coal cellar 'ere ?" Why, Fanny ?" I'd like to slpep in it, if you don't mind." I do mind, Fanny. You can't sleep in the coid cellar." Fanny sighed mournftilly, and partly rose. I enn't stop 'ere then, Blanche." -h dl if you like, Fanny, and you shall sleep with me." "Ob B:iLnelie! cried Isnny, clasping her face with her dity little hands. The tears forced themselves between the thin, bony fingers. Why,that looks as it you were sorry, Fanny I'm crying for joy, Blanche. I think I should token my'ook to-night if it 'adn't been for you. When I fell down in a faint outside your door, I thought I was goin'to die." You shall not die, Fanny," said Becky you shall live, and grow into a fine young woman. Listen to me, and don't forget a word I say to you. Yor are sharp and clever, and I want you to be .'harper and cleverer than ever you have heen in your life before." Fanny nodded and fixed her eyes upon Becky's face. I am a ser- vant in this house my mistress's name is Mrs Preedy she is out gossiping, and I expect her jack every minute. If she comes in while I am talking I shall bundle you into bed, and you'll fall fast asleep. You understand ? Yes." "I am not a real servant, but nobody is to know that but you and me. Put your little hand in mine, Fanny, and promise to be my friend, as [ promise to be yours. That's an honest squeeze, Fanny, and I know what it means. It means that I can trust you thoroughly, and that you will do and say everything exactly as I wish." That's just what it does mean, Blanche." My name is not Blanche." No ?" No. It's Becky." lin fly." And never was anything else. The reason why I am a servant here is because I have some- thing very particular to do-and that also is a secret between me and you. When it is done, I shall be a lady, and perhaps I will take you as my little maid." 0, Becky! Becky exclaimed Fanny, over- joyed at the prospect. "I knew you were sharp and quick," said Becky. You are a little cousin of mine, if Mrs Preedy askt you, and yon have no mother or father. Give me those matches. I throw them into the fire, one after another. What a blaze they make Your mother died last week, and you, knowing I was in service here, came to ask me to help you. You never sold matches, Fanny ?" Never I'lll take my oath of it!" "That is all I shall say to-night, Fanny. I am tired, and I want to think. Go into that little r,)0m_it is my bedroom here is a light. You will see a nest of drawers in the room open the top one and take out a clean night-dress it will be too long and too large for you, but that doesn't matter, does it ? Give yourself a good wash, then pop into bed, and go to sleep. To-morrow morn- ing, before you are up, I shall buy you some clothes. Poor little Fanny Poor little Fanny V The child had fallen ou her knees, and was hiding her face in Becky's lap. Her little body was shaken with sobs. Now then, go, or Mrs Preedy may come back before you are a-bed. Fanny jumped on her feet, and kissing Becky's hands, took the candle and went into Becky's bedroom. Becky's attention, diverted for a while by this adventure, returned to the subject which now almost solely occupied her mind. She had not yet looked at the copies of the last Evening Moon she had bought of the newsboy in the square an hour ago. She opened one of the papers, and saw in large type, the heading, "FUlmERICK HOLDFAST," and beneath it the following letter, addressed to the editor of the Evening Moon "Sir,—I have read the thrilling Romance in Real Life which your Special Reporter has so temptingly lis heel up for your numerous readers. It not only reads like a romance, but, with reference to one of the iiaractftrs it introduces to a too curious public, it is a romance. The character I refer to is Frederick Hold- fast, the son of the ill-fated gentleman who was mur- dered in Great Porter-square. That he is dead there appears to be no reason to doubt; and, therefore. all i he more reason why I, who knew him well and was his friend, should step forward without hesitation to protest against tile charge brought against him in your COIIIIJ\1:8. I declare most earnestly that they are false. Here, at once, I tind myself in a difficulty. When I say that the colours in which Frederick Holdfast is painted are false colours, that the character given to him is a false character, and that the charces brought agamst him are false charges, it appears as if I iny- it-i: were bringing an accusation against Mrs Lydia Lli.ldfast, a. lady with whom I have not the pleasure ot being acquainted. I prefer not to do this. X P*el bring the accusation against your Reporter, ^who ni have allowed his zea' and enthusiasm to Pla;y in „ with his judgmen when he sat down t-> descn ■ captivatinj manner, certain statements maoo by a lady in distress. ,vas writing rv there- then' was a villain in it (.i nn the blackest fore, that this villain should be Pal™e<l in oolours to rival ^^Tr y'ou^g peopletmong which obtain so stioiv allel jg not a fau- one. The vSs?nrtheS'PeSnny Awfuls are imaginary creatures; villains in the reniy { tb cheap novelists to them cun hurt the feeling viln> tnem, to de b«ing- But the villain your R?po-Wh?'s depicted in his Romance of Real Life is ^?ar who iived? wbo was honoured, and had at least ii^notice^nr°Repor^r i^euifty. 1,,JUSfclce' and 01 thls cronies.. We had lew secrets from each other, and our close intimacy enabled me not only to gain an insight into I rederii.ks character, but to form a just estimate of it- .4n f?!- declare that my dead friend was as guiltless of t..e charges brought against him in lii.s oxford career as I heatve him to be incapable of the Wene^s imputed to him in his father's house in T.on- i T can SP^ak only from presumption. Of the former I can speak with certainty, but my lon- victioij in the one case is as strong as it is in die other. TT i ifls,^ monstrous falsehood to describe Frederick Kolutasts career of dissipation as being capped by a at'grarleu association with degraded women. — Tis estimate ol woman was high and lofty; he was s ~it a d(,gracle(i association with degraded wornet., 'is estimate ol woman was high and lofty; he was s ~it quixotic in the opinion he entertained of hev pu»ity. anu even when he felt himself compelled to condemn, there was invariably apparent in his condemnation a. touch of beautiful pity it was an experience to meet with in this shrug-shoulder age, in which cynicism and light words upon noble themes have become the fashion. That he was free from faults I do not assert, but his errors had in them nothing of that low kind of vice which your Reporter has so glibly attached to his name. I have already said 1 have not the pleasure of an ac- quaintance with Mrs Lydia Holdfast neither was I acquainted with her murdered husband, my dead friend's father. But I have heard Frederick sneak of his father, and always with respect aud love. I can go further than this. I have read letters which Mr Hold- fast in London wrote t" his son ill Oxford, and I can- not recall a sentence or a word which would imply that any difference existed between father and sou. These facts go far to prove the accusation I bring against your Reporter of libelling the dead. He, in his turn, may tind justification for the picture he has drawn in the stacements made to him by Mrs Lydia Holdfast. With this I have nothing to do I leave them to settle the matter between them. My duty is to vindicate the honour of my friend, who cannot speak for himself. I ask you to insert this letter, without abbreviation, in your columns, and I ask those papers at a Uistanca which hare quoted from your Romance in Real Life to copy thu letter, to pre- vent injustice to a dead man's memory. I enclose my card, as a guarantee of good faith but I do not wish my name to be published. At the same time, should public occasion demand it, I shall be ready to come forward and personally substantiate the substance of this communication.—I am, sir, yours obediently, JUSTICE. m- ..L1. 'I. .LO mis letter was appended an Jl/ditorial Note: "We insert our correspondent's letter, as he desires, without abbreviation. His name, which at his request we withhold, is one which is already becoming honorably known, and we see no reason to doubt his honesty of intention, and his thorough belief in what he writes. In the performance of our duties as Editor of this newspaper, we are always ready to present our readers with both sides of a question which has excited public interest. With these differing views fairly and impartially placed before them, thev can form their own judgment. Upon the matter between 'Justice,' Mrs Holdfast, and our Special Reporter, we offer no opinion, but we cannot refrain from drawing attention to one feature in the case which has apparently escaped the notice of 'Justice.' By Mr Holdfast's will his only son, Frederick, is disinherited, and the whole of the murdered man's property is left to his unhappy widow. This is a sufficient answer to 'Justice's' disbelief in the existence of any difference between Frederick Holdfast and his father. "Respect and love' would never impel a father to leave his son a beggar.—EDITOR, Evening Moon." Becky's eyes were bright with pleasure as she read the letter. Bravo, Justice," she thought; you are worthy to be the friend of my Frede- rick. I will thank you one day for your noble defence." Here Fanny, arrayed in Becky's nightdress, made her appearance from the little bedroom. Good night, Becky," she said. Good night, my dear," said Becky, kissing the child. Fanny's face was clean, and her hair was nicely brushed she did not look now like a child of the gutter, and that she did notifeei like one was proved by her saying, I feel all new, Becky—and so 'appy "That's right, dear," said Becky; "now tumble into bed. I hear Mrs Preedy opening the street door." Fanny flew back to the bedroom, and, scram- bling into bed, fell asleep with a prayer in her mind that God would bless Becky for ever, and ever, and ever, and send her everything in the world she wanted. Becky was prepared for her interview with Mrs Preedy her plan was already formed. She put the newspaper out of sight, and when Mr Preedy entered the kitchen she found Becky busy with her needle. "Still up, Becky exclaimed Mrs Preedy. You ought to 'ave been a-bed." "I did'nt like to go," said Becky, "till you came home and I wanted to speak to you about something." What is it ?" cried Mr Preedy, for ever ready to take alarm. Nothink's 'appended in the 'ouse, I 'ope. Mrs Bailey ?"- Nothing has happened it's about myself I want to speak." "I suppose you're going to give notice," said Mrs Preedy, glaring at Becky. 0, no I'm very satisfied with the place, and I'm sure no servant ever had ,L kinder missis. Mrs Preedy was mollified. It's about iny legacy and a little cousin of mine." Oh," said Mrs Preedy, feeling no interest in the little cousin, but a great deal in the legacy. You may sit down, Becky." Thank you, mum. 1 am to receive fifty pounds of my legacy to-morrow, and I want you to take care of some of it." I'll do it with pleasure, Becky." Mrs'Preedy was slightly bewildered by the circumstance of having a servant witn so much money at com- mand it was an unprecedented experience. And Becky had confidence in her that was a good sign. Of course she would take care of the girl's money. While you wore out," said Becky, there was a knock at the door, and when I opened it I saw a little cousin of mine who had lost her mother, and she has no one in the world but me to look after her. She know I was in service here, and she came to ask me to help her. I hope you will not consider it a liberty, but I took her in, poor little thing and perhaps you'll let her sleep with me to-night." Mrs Preedy started at Becky. Is she there V she asked, pointing to the servant's bedroom. "Yes, mum." Mrs Preedy took a candle, and went into the room. Fanny was asleep, and when Mrs Preedy laid her hand on her, she moved, and murmured, Is that you, Becky ?" Becky called out, Yes Fanny. Go to sleep again." I thought," said Becky, upon Mrs Preedy's return, as my little cousin hasino home now, and as there is plenty of room in the house that you might let her remain her3 as a lodger. As a lodger said Mrs Preedy, in a tone of surprise and satisfaction." Offcourse," continued Becky, I couldn't ask you without offering money. I can afford to pay for her. She could live in the kitchen and sleep with me. I'd look after her, and nobody need know anything about it but ourselves. I wouldn't mind eight or ten shillings a week." Mrs Preedy, with more eagerness than she was in the habit of exhibiting, agreed to Becky's proposition, and said they would split the differ- ence, and make it nine shillings a-week for Fanny's board and lodging. And if you wont't mind my mentioning it," said Becky, "if you are pressed for two or three pounds I should be glad to let you have it till-the the lodgers come back to the house. My money could not be in better hands than yours." This offer completed the conquest. Mrs Preedy shook Becky by the hand, and vowed that, from the moment she had entered her service, she had looked upon her more as a daughter than a domestic, and that she was sure she and Becky and Fanny would get along famously together. So gushing did she become that she offered Becky a glass of gin and water, which Becky declined. A double knock at the street door startled them both, and they went in company to answer it. A telegraph boy stood on the step. "Does Becky live here?" he asked. Yes," answered the two women. A telegram," he said, holding out the buff- coloured envelope. Becky took it, and opened it in the kitchen. It was from Fred" to "Becky," and ran: I return to London by to-night's mail. Do not write again until you see or hear from me." Who is it from?" asked Mrs Preedy, 0 to restrain her curiosity. What does it say It's from my lawyer," replied Becky, w] J a blush, and says 1 am to receive Mrs Pr"&tIam,»«aidBe°ky;„ "Can I do any. thing more for ■> sa;d ivfrs. p„„ 44 Oood night, mum. Never in that house had such cordial relations as these existed between mistress and" slavev. ( To be continued.)

I FEEL SO WEARY AND TIRED they neveCrTausi0tno0/h-Tny Wllom we dail>' meet' yet th s f«el;ri/ rf lk or reflept upon the cause of ^t^i,I^TnaVr- f'"om "sluggish, vnd impure ■nir-'hr1 neS'ected, is the forerunner of serious ana chro.uc disorders. This weary and tired feeling is v.uTe wannng us that there is something wrong, wruch must be set right, or a long and lingering illness will speedily follow. What does nature require to throw off th^s weary and tired feeling 1 She requires to have new life and energy imparted to all the organs of the body, and the best means to do so is to take "Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, which purities the blood, and imparts new life and energy. It is invalu- able to those who are sutferine from affections of the chest, indigestion, nervousness, debility in its worst forms, depression of spirits, and melancholy. GWILYM EVANS'S QUININE BITTERS. THE VEGETABLE TONIC.-This preparation is now exten. sively taken throughout the country by patients suffer. ing from debility, nervousness, and general exhaustion, and, if any value be attached to human testimony, the efficacy of medicine this has been successfully estab. lished. its claims have been tested and proved by the medical profession and others, and corroborated by the written testimonials of eminent men. The Quinine Ritter contain not only a suitable quantity of Quinine in each dose, but the active principles of the following well-known herbs—sarsaparilla, saffron, gentian, laven- der, am dandelion root. The use of Quinine is well known, but it has never been satisfactorily combined with these preparations until, after overcoming consi derable difficulties, the proprietor was able to secure a perfectly uniform preparation, combining all the essential properties of the above plants in thei greatest purity and concentration. It is now established as a family medicine, aud is increasing i popular avonr the more it is known and tested. Gwyliiu Evans's Quinine Bitters is a tonic Pick-me-up,' scientifically mixed in happy proportions. MODE OF ACTION.—(And here lies the secret of the Remedy.)—The Quinine Bitters (being a vegetable tonic), by their peculiar power, strengthen that part of the system which is weakest, and, therefore, most liable to colds and their attendant diseases. The in- gredients theyo outain cannot be put into pills, but the patient cun ow usual occupation without fear of exposure. GWILYM EVANS' QUININE BITTERS are recommended by Doctors, Analysts, Chemists. Sold in !ell Bet and 4 0 ButtUi, ami Canes containing thrael4 GdmtUM at J~t> (j i per cam, by all Chemists, or .from the PropfvttQr, eurriuae fret, parcels ynst ("«».•/«!»• cooer). N-B.—No one huoulii suffer without trying "Uwilyta hvans Quuuno Bittois."—Mr GWILYM KVANS, TF.G.S., Pro rietjr, Laboratory, UanpUy South Wales, 108óa

r FACTS AND FANCIES. AN OPEN FIKB-PLACE.—The field of battle. THE BEST THING FOR CATCHING HOSB\DS.— The lass-o. PROPER FQOD FOR HTDROPATHISTS.—-i, ,ong« cakes and Bath buns. SOCIAL FACT OFTEN OVERLOOKED.—The man who lends his influence rarely gets it back QUERY FOR THE RANK AND FILE OF THE BMA. BADGE ARMY.-Is the rolling of ships due to tieir being christened with bottles of wine ? What fruit does a newly-married couple n- semble ?—A green pear. "To stay iz to win," declares Josh Billings; the only way.1 know ov to beat bad luk iz te tire it out." He would not-marry her because she had faime teeth but when his wife kept him awake for nights with the toothache and neuralgia, he wish he had. Professor, looking at his watch: As we have a few minutes, I shall be glad to answer any question that any one may wish to ask." Stu- dent What time is it, please ?" Scene—Country-town. Town-crier is rnginsr his bell. Officious visitor: "The town-bell V; surely cracked!" Town-crier: "It's no music 1 give to folk it's instruction." An incorrigible, who had been beforeabonch of magistrates in Cambridgeshire and fined about twenty times, on the last occasion expressed a hope that the gentleman would be a& favour- able to him as they could, as he had been zunll good customer. A LONG MONTH.—Mr Campbell: Cold weather, Donald." Yiss, yiss, Mr Cam'ell. But she's not so pad nor as long forbye as when I wass a lad, when there was six weeks of it and more in March whateffer A K one of Rossini'S soirees, a lady whose vocal power were unhappily not on a par with her pretensions, having been asked to favour the company with an air from Semira- mide," turned to her host and bespoke his indulgence, assuring him that she was terribly nervous. Not more than I am, madame, I assure you," was Rossini's cool retort. X. is alluding to an acquaintance in terms the very reverse of complimentary. "Curioustohear you saying that of him remarks a friend. I thought you were under obligations to him ?" Who I ?" Oh, not at all You see, he lent me some money once but the next time I wanted to borrow of him he refused, merely because I hadn't returned the first; and so that made it even." A gentleman at a Berlin theatre sits behind a lady who wears a very large hat. Excuse me, madam but, unless you remove your hat, I can see absolutely nothing." Lady ignores him. "Excuse me, madam but, unless you remove your hat, something unpleasant will happen." Lady ignores him again. Gentleman puts on his hat. Loud cries from the audience, "Take off that hat! Take off that hat!" Lady thinks they mean her hat, and removes it. "Thank you, madam." After the revolution of 184-8, an amiable French Socialist took refuse in Geneva, where he began the publication of a weekly paper devoted to promulgating the great idea of the equal division of all property. In due course a relative of the reformer died and left him a legacy of 15,000 francs. The paper appeared as usual the next week but there had been in the meanwhile a slight modification of the proprietor's programme. All property should be equally divided," he wrote, share and share alike, when its value ex- ceeds 15,000 francs." THE CONSUMMATION THAT WAS DEVOUTLY WISHED.-A little boy was still wearing apparel partaking of the mixed character of boys' and girls'. His short gown worried him a great deal; he was anxious to get a boy's jacket and trousers. Finally his aunt sent him, as a present, the garments he bad so long sighed for. As soon as he was dressed, he went up to his mother, and exclaimed joyfully, "Now it is all over I am a man for ever There is no danger now that, I shall be a girl!" SEEKING SATISFACTION.—A nouveau riche had his house robbed of several valuable pictures. He appreciated them because they cost him a great deal of money, and, when he made his appearance at an art-dealer's, he was in a very excited state. I want you to get my pictures for me," he said. What do you mean ?" asked the dealer. Why I was robbed of them the other night, and I come to you for satisfaction was the answer. But my dear sir, we are not receivers of stolen goods, nor are we detective officers," said the dealer! Then," shouted the indignant millionaire, you had better take in your sign, 'Oil-paintings restored; 1" The following conversation, is reported to have lately taken place between a minister and a widow-both of Aberdeen. The widow, wh!, called upon the minister, seemed desirous of relieving her mind of something which ?PJ?resr.¡ her, at which the rev. gentleman, wishing hurry matters, exclaimed, "My good woman,eu see I can be of no service to you till you tell me what it is that troubles you. "Well, sir, I'm thinkin' o' gettin' married again." Ob, that is it! Let me see; that is pretty frequent—surely ? How many husbands have you had ?" Well, sir," she replied, in a tone less of sorrow than of bitterness, "this is the fourth; I'm auxa there's nae wumman been sae tormented, wi'. & ;set o* deein' men!" ILL-STDFFED CRAWS. In am examination destined to fathom the general knowlecweof young lads about to enter the ranks of pro sl°na| student-life, a series of que-tfona was put as testa nf readintr of the candidates, ine following were some of the replies obtained from the aspir- in* youths—" What was the Star Chamber ?* Answer: An astronomer s room." « What was meant by the Year of Jubilee'?" Answer; Leap-year. What was the Bronze Age' ? Answer Vhen the-new pennies became current coin of the realm." What are the Letters of Junius. Answer: "Letters written in tha month of June." What is the Age of Reason ? Answer: "The time that has elapsed sinmtbe person of that name was born." The following story is told of the late Lord Lawrence, and is characteristic of the good- tempered brusqueness, if it may be so termed. which occasionally marked his demeanour. One day in his earlier life, when he was working his hardest at Murri, in India, a man came up to apply for an appointment, and, being shown into the room in which the Chief Commissioner was slaving fully sixty minutes to the hour, began b. politely inquiring how Lady Lawrenee was. "Now you know," said Sir John, as he looked up for one moment from his papers, "that you did not come up all the way from Rawul Pindi to ask me how Lady was. What .is it you want?" This want was stated, and the answer given in the fewest possible words. "Now then," he said, go and ask Lady Lawrence yourself how she is, and stay to luncheon Two men-near relatives-who had ben engaged in a long and tedious Chancery suit at length came to an understanding. For several years they had neither of them known peace or com- fort. The perplexity of the suit had given them an unrest that no mental effort could overcome. It had come to an end when the lawyers found their clients' means exhausted. And, when it had ended, the two litigants were relieved and happy. So happy were they that they made up all differ- ences between them, and resolved in some way substantially to commemorate the event. They put their heads together, and finally hit upon the pleasant conception of having a commemorative picture painted in dupli- cate one for each of the parties — and they waited upon an old artistic friend, Seaman, to paint a pair of pictures. JLhey would leave the composition of the design to him, only it should clearly have reference to the happily .ended Chancery suit. Seaman painted the picture- painted one, and would have them examine it before he made the copy. They went to his studio, and there they beheld themselves pictured on canvas, the likenesses excellent, coming out hand in hand from the Chancery Court. One of them was clad in a well-worn shirt, and the other in a ragged pair of trousers, shirtless and shoeless. In short, the only clothing worn by the pair con- sisted of the old shirt and the poor old trousers; butjthe unkempt twain were marrily.dancing their way out from the court, apparently as happy as two beggars ever were. The duplicate picture was not ordered. Printv. i and Published by the Proprietors, DAVID DUXCAN & SOXS, at their Steam Printing W orkij, 75 and 76, St. Mary-street, tree! In the town of Carditt iu tbe Covfr 'J > irtiuu V'\1